Family Date 1- Pizza & Movies

[6.20.13]

 

 

Our first Family Date Night- Pizza & Movies.  We love Peter Piper Pizza around here and Tim & Elyse love movies.  I'm not much of a movie person- I usually end up falling asleep.=)

 

We spent the early evening at Grandma R's house getting ready for Ryan's birthday party so we invited her to tag along on our family date.  Watching Elyse open up her envelope was pretty fun, she makes the best facial expressions.

 

Our first stop- Pizza at Peter Piper.  We ordered two large pizzas, breadsticks, and Elyse got her own personal pan pizza.  I don't know what I was thinking ordering two larges.  We didn't even touch the second large, but we did it for lunch the next day.

 

 

 

 

 

Grandma, Jake, and I stayed at the table to talk.  Ryan ran around like a mad man. & Tim & Elyse played games.

 

Can you spot Ryan?

 

 

 

Elyse won 188 tickets and chose this as her prize?  Does anyone remember these?  They make me think of my grandma.  My brother and I went to visit my grandma in West Virginia when I was in fourth grade and I remember her getting one for me at a little store by her house.  Tim had never seen one before and either had his mom.

 

 

 

 

Our second stop was Redbox.  Elyse got to choose the movie and she chose some horror movie called "MAMA."  She had seen it before and wanted us to watch it with her. 

 

 

Sorry for the awful pictures!

Ryan's Third Birthday

I want to start off by saying, I'll probably post a ton of pictures.  Birthdays are a big deal around here, especially my little man's third birthday!  It's so crazy that I have a three year old!  At least when people ask me how old my kids, I can now say "3 and 1" instead of "1 and 2."  :)

 

Ryan's actual birthday was Sunday, June 16.  We started off our morning with a few texts from some of his favorite Aunties.  Loni had sent Ryan a gift more than a month ago and she FINALLY wanted him to open it.  Ever since Ryan started getting Citrus Lane boxes he loves opening up big boxes.

 

 

He was so happy to open up his first present, and he was even more excited when he saw what was inside.  A brand new scooter!  He just stands on it while we push him around.  I'll have to teach him to ride it and then he'll love it even more.

 

We spent the morning at church.  Ryan is really loving Sunday School.  He's in a preschool class now.  He made his very first sunday school craft that day.  He colored a picture of a whale and it has a little flap that you lift up and Jonah is inside the whale's tummy.  It's up on my fridge and I think we might have to keep it forever <3  My heart felt so happy.  My baby is getting big and soon he's going to be making all sorts of crafts all on his own and I don't know  how I'll ever be able to get rid of any of them.

 

Jakey went down for a nap while Ryan, Elyse, and I made cupcakes for Ryan.  When Jake woke up we all went to Circle K for some sodas and icees & to get pizza from Little Caesars.  We went on a picnic at the park.  I brought Ryan a few changes of clothes so we could take his three year pictures when we were there. 

 

 

 

 

We ate our pizza and then started playing. We weren't playing too long when we all heard Ryan crying at the same time. We all turned our heads and Ryan's entire face, hands, and shirt were covered in blood.  I ran over to him and he stopped crying.  I grabbed some wipes to clean his face to see what happened to him.  He had a little gash on the top of his forhead and he said  his head hurt.  Thankfully the people who were right next to us had a lot of paper towels and some ice.  We got Ryan all cleaned up and took him to Urgent Care.  I stayed pretty calm but it was pretty awful seeing him with so much blood.

 

At urgent care, the nurse checked him out.  She said he didn't need stitches but she wanted to put some glue on it and glue it back together.  She also gave us a prescription for antibiotics so it wouldn't get infected.  Ryan was such a good boy.  He's been talking about his head ever since though and has told everyone about it.

 

We took him to Target to let him pick out a present.  He picked out two hotwheels.  A little purple truck and a white car.  We came home and I put him in Jake's high chair so he could eat a cupcake.  He had been wanting one all day, poor guy!  After he was done, he asked for another one.  Because it was his birthday, I let him eat two.

 

 

I decided to spoil him a little more and let him stay up late watching Curious George with me on the couch.  He started looking pretty tired so we crawled into bed together.  We took a few pictures and after he fell asleep, I just kept thinking about how dang perfect he is.  He was such a cute, sweet boy all day.  Especially because he's been such a little brat these last few weeks driving momma nuts!

 

 

I'm glad we were able to make his birthday special for him.  He had to of known it was his birthday, and next year will be even better when he understands birthdays a little more.

 

 

Ryan had his three year well check on Friday.  He was 25lbs and 35in.

 

 

Now onto Ryan's birthday party.  We had his birthday party on June 22 @ 4:00 and his Grandma R's house.  It was a cars theme, obviously.  A HUGE thank you to everyone who helped me decorate and get ready for the party! --Mom, Dad, Tim, Casey, my niece Haley, and Elyse! 

 

 

Stop Light cupcakes

 

 

Unloading Zone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ryan checking out his cupcakes.

 

The food table, before everyone came & everything was out.  We had hotdogs, nachos, brownies, cupcakes, and m&ms.  The nachos were a HUGE hit and I was a teeny tiny bit bummed that there weren't any left over to bring home!

The little crafting area.  I had some crafts set up on a longer table but it actually got moved to this smaller table.  The kids had stuff to make their own license plates, hot wheels coloring pages, and a couple of transportation puzzles.

 

 

 

Next, it was time to sing "Happy Birthday!"  I think Ryan felt a little happy/embarrassed when he realized everyone was singing to him!  He made a million different facial expressions and they were all so, so cute.  I should have video taped it!

 

 

Taking time out to take pictures with papa.

 

 

After cupcakes and brownies it was time to open presents.  He got lots of new toys and clothes!  His new carseat had come in too!  Yay!

 

 

Everyone went out back to play some more.  My brother sent over a tire so we could do a little bean bag toss into the tire.  I used the same bean bags that we had made last year.  After only playing for a little bit, the grown ups started playing and it turned into a bean bag fight!

 

My birthday boy!

Of course, I had to get in a family photo <3

 

 

Ryan's party was SO much fun and so perfect for him.  He LOVED it and it meant so much to me to see him so happy and know that this day was all for him!

 

After cleaning up and saying bye to everyone- we headed home and decided to go for a swim.  My dad stayed home with Jake & the rest of us went swimming.  I needed one last picture with the birthday boy before we left.

 

 

Swimming at night was actually pretty fun.  I hadn't done it in years.  It wasn't so burning hot outside either.  We all came home to this...

<3

 

 

Happy birthday to best, sweetest, and cutest little three year old there is.  Ryan- we love you so much and I could never ask for anything better.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this day so perfect for out little guy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Citrus Lane- June 2013 Box Review

It's that time of the month again!! Our Citrus Lane box arrived on today!. This will be our 6th box.

 

 

For anyone who does not know, Citrus Lane is a subscription box service for babies/toddlers/kids from birth to age 5. Basically, you will receive a surprise box filled with 4-5 (mom approved, top of the line) items tailored to your little ones age.

 

You can get boxes on a month to month basis for $25/month.. or you can a 6 month subscription for $21 a month! When I signed up, I put in my little one's name, birthday, and gender to ensure that Ryan would receive a box especially made for him.

 

Citrus Lane ships their boxes from California on the 15th of every month and arrive on your doorstep between the 17th and 22nd of every month. Did I mention that you also receive free shipping?!

Here we go! Our box is for a 36m old boy.  Before this year, each of the boxes always had a theme- this year they got rid of the themes and decided to save them for special occasions.  I guess June was a special occasion because the theme of this month's box was "Fun in the Sun."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Dot to Dot Chalk from Alex Toys ($2.95)

An awesome summer toy?  I think so! Ryan and I were happy to recieve some new sidewalk chalk!  This was actually on my list of things to buy at Target.  This set comes with 4 polka dotted chalks and a holder that is the perfect size for tiny hands.

 

2  Sun Protection Hat from iPlay ($14.00)

This navy blue whale patterned hat also came at the perfect time for us!  We've been swimming a few times a week lately and I don't have a hat for both of my kids.  Ryan is just now actually WEARING hats (for a little while.)  He was happy about his hat and we put it on as soon as he took it out of the box.  This hat also is made of UV protective fabric, has a neck flap and baseball cap brim and ties under the chin.  The material is also light to keep your baby cool.

 

 

3.  Sand Drill from Haba ($4.99)

This toy is a little drill for the sand.  It's made out of pretty durable plastic.  Ryan was so excited to play with this in our back yard.  However, it doesn't drill holes in your average backyard, so Ryan lost interest in it pretty quickly.  This toy is designed more for a trip to the beach or in a sand box.

 

 

4. Sunny Sunscreen from Episencial ($7.50ish)

I was really really hoping that sunscreen would come in our box this month and it did!  This is a smaller version than the one they sell on their website.  This size is a 1.5oz and online they sell it in 2.7oz.  Back in our January box, we recieved lotion from Episencial and my husband and I were the ones to use it- it was awesome lotion so I'm sure this product won't disappoint either.

 

 

 

 

 

Trying on his new sun hat and sand drill- we had to go out back as soon as he opened the box to try them out.

 

 

 

Practicing his drilling.

 

 

 

 

 

I loved this summer box, it's probably one of my favorites. Would you like to try out Citrus Lane? You can get your first box for only $15 by clicking the link Citrus Lane Sign up. You will get $10 off your first box and I will get $10 off my next order!

Do you already subscribe to Citrus Lane? Share your review link with me so I can read your review!

A Day at the Park

[6.10.13]

 

After spending almost 48 hours at the lake- we drove back to my parent's house to stay the night.  I didn't feel like spending the next 3.5 hours driving in a car.  I felt like laying on my parent's couch! 

 

We played a few games of yahtzee and had some lunch.  After Jakey's nap we went to the park.  For whatever reason, I really wanted to go to the park.  I'm sure it was over 100 degrees outside too, but for whatever reason- the weather felt so nice and I wanted to be outside playing with the kids.  My mom took us to this big park out there.  It was a really nice park and it was pretty big with so much stuff to do!  I'm used to the traditional plastic parks.  I loved this park and they need to get one here!

 

 

We have a swing in our backyard- Ryan hates it but Jake loves it.  He will just hang out and swing for like 20 minutes while I trim the bushes or do whatever and Ryan plays.  He liked this swing too but he was a little small for it.  He looked funny.

 

They also had this rock climbing wall.  Tim was able to do it.  It took me like 5 tires but I got it too.  Mom tried it once and didn't try again.  Elyse tried a few times but couldn't get it.  This rock wall made me think we needed to try rock climbing!  Tim and I went rock climbing at an indoor rock climbing place- it was a lot of fun and I think Elyse is at the age where she would have fun too.

 

 

They even had a neat tire swing!

 

 

My family of 5!  Nice, red, and sweaty!

 

 

 

 

Jake's face makes me laugh!  Daddy was chasing him and he was giggling.

 

After our fun at the park- we headed home for hot dogs and ice cream.  Ryan played trains and then Ryan, Jake, and I went to sleep while Elyse & Daddy headed for a swim in Grandma's pool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Day Before Your Third Birthday

Today is the day before your birthday. It's so crazy that you are turning three- part of me feels like time has gone by so quickly, and it has. The other part of me can't even remember what life was like  before you. You (& your brother) are the best things that has ever happened to me. Being your mommy has been nothing but amazing.

I started this blog for you. Yes- I want to remember everything about my life with you... But more than that, I want you to always know how much love I have for you. How much happiness and love you have brought to my life.  I could never ever write down and try to explain my love for you- but I will show you every day of my life.

Your Grandpa Al is in town and he leaves back to Tennessee tomorrow. Since he can't be with you on your birthday or at your party I wanted to do something special so he could help you celebrate today.  We took you to Chuck E Cheese. You loved it, I knew you would. Grandma and Grandpa came, so did Uncle Tom and Kylie.  

You loved the concept of tokens and getting tickets. You ran around that place like a mad man looking for just the right game to play. You loved Skee Ball- even though you couldn't get the balls up high enough. You helped Daddy play basketball. You even took tokens from me and ran off to play games by yourself.

At the end of our Chuck E Cheese adventure you got 315 tickets. Do you know what you wanted to exchange your tickets for? A little pack of nerds. You held them so tight in your hands all the way to grandma to show her the treat you got.

Grandma brought a card for you. You love opening up envelopes- especially when they are for you.  Grandma was sweet enough to get you the new carseat I have been wanting for you! It should be here sometime next week! Momma's probably more excited than you are. But you ran to grandma and grandpa with your little arms wide open and told them "thank you."

Afterwards, grandma and grandpa wanted to take you and the girls to Target so you guys could pick out your own birthday presents ( they had missed the girls' birthdays last year.) Daddy and Grandpa walked you over to the toy aisles and you knew what you wanted right away. You picked out a new train set and two hotwheels cars.  I don't think you could ever have enough hotwheels. You have played with them everyday since as long as I can remember. After you say "Hi momma!" every morning, the next word out of your mouth is "cars?" And momma always says "Yes baby, go get your cars." You run and grab your backpack filled with cars and roll them all over my bed until momma's done being lazy.

You were so, so excited to come home and play with your new train set. However, you fell asleep less than a mile away from our house. After your nap you remembered your train set and momma set it up for you on the coffee table.

We had a yummy dinner at your grandparent's house and you soon became a wild child when I let you have a piece of cheese cake.

Even though I know you won't, I wish you could always remember this day.  Sometimes I feel a little sad, just knowing that, in the long run, you'll never remember any of the days we've had so far.

I wrote in my journal in the morning before you were born.....

"I can't sleep anymore. Today is my due date. I have agreed to get induced today. I actually have to be at the hospital in an hour and a half. I cried off and on all day yesterday. I'm pretty much scared shitless. Not about the induction, but about being a mommy. I have to bring Ryan home, take care of him, love on him, you get the point. I could barely sleep last night. 

Yesterday was my last appointment. It was weird scheduling my next appointment 4 weeks from now, instead of in a week.

I'm going to straighten my hair. My bags are already packed. I'll eat a small bowl of cheerios before I go. I just hope my baby likes me. && that people don't bug me too much today.

Here we go..."

It makes me laugh about how scared I was to bring you into this world and raise you. You've made it so easy for momma and I've loved everyday you've let me be your momma so far. 

I hope I can make tomorrow special for you as we celebrate your third year of life.

I love you, monkey.

Mini Family Date- A Trip to the Bookstore

This was our first envelope of the summer.  I'm calling this one a "mini date" because it only contained one activity where all the others have two different activities.  I showed Elyse these envelopes at Easter time and she was excited to open them when she came back for the summer.  I scheduled every envelope to a certain date that would work with our schedule.  She knew that our first one was for June 14, so she was anxious to open it when she woke up.

 

 

 

It was pretty cute watching her.  In the envelope she got a little note that says "Use this gift certificate for some good books.  Don't forget to let Ryan and Jakey pick out a book too!"  The day before, Ryan had gotten a gift card in the mail for his birthday to Bookmans so it came at the perfect time.  I added it to the envelope so Elyse wouldn't have to share with Ryan.  I also put in a little list "Books I Bought" because Elyse likes writing lists and keeping notes.

 

 

We went swimming in the afternoon with some of our friends and came home to put Jake down for a nap.  We were now waiting for Jakey to wake up so we could head to the bookstore.

 

 

 

 

Elyse checking out some books.

 

 

Ryan checking out some books.

 

 

Jakey playing with a stuffed duck.

 

 

Elyse shared some of her gift certificate with Dad so he got to pick out some photography magazines.

 

 

Elyse & Ryan checking out their books.

 

 

Ryan was excited to have his own bag- you wouldn't know it by the picture.

 

This was fun.  It could have been a regular trip to the book store, but it was a lot more fun being in an envelope!  Elyse and Ryan each got their own gift certificates and knew exactly how much they were able to spend.  Okay- Ryan had no clue, so I helped him.  Since Elyse opened her envelope in the morning, she was looking forward to her date all day.

 

Now we have 5 more bigger dates that I can't wait to share.